Te Haerenga – Our Journey Together

This piece is called Te Haerenga, meaning “The Journey.” I carved it as a wedding anniversary gift for a man to give to his wife. The design is centred on a single flowing koru that spirals outward, symbolising their journey together as a couple—from when they first met, through the life they’ve built, and into the future still to come. It’s about growth, learning, and sharing experiences side by side.

Carved from bright green Kahurangi Pounamu, this taonga has incredible translucency. When held to the light, you can see straight through the stone. It’s a beautiful reminder of clarity and strength, and of a connection that has deepened over time.

At one end, I added three small notches carved into the edge. These represent their three children—a permanent reminder of the joy and meaning that raising a whānau brings. The pendant is lashed in black using a bar lashing across the top and hangs on a black braid cord.

Te Haerenga is a taonga that marks love, growth, and the shared journey of life together. I’m honoured to have created something that holds so much meaning for this couple.